What do I wear- and pack? That is the first thing on my mind is when I am planning a getaway to the Carmel/ Monterey area. It can be tricky as it’s a California coastal area, but more often than not can be cool, though sunny. As we are very casual in California you’ll see a lot of looks like this outfit above, worn by Ashley Olsen which is so Carmel to me, with a laidback luxe feel.
The original post on this was written in 2012, after a little getaway to Carmel to celebrate my husband’s birthday. It has become so popular I have updated it over the years. As a Bay Area and Northern Cal gal we get there a lot, so I feel qualified to advise. The photo above, in Pebble Beach, was from my latest trip there, October 2019. Fall is actually a warmer time than summer often!
You’re going to love this area and if you pack the right things, enjoy it too. This updated post has some newer links and photos to help you plan a trip in 2021 and beyond!
Carmel is one of the most gorgeous places on the planet and I am continually thrilled by its beauty on each trip. I am so fortunate to live here in Northern California and be nearby. When I say Carmel, I also mean the whole Monterey Peninsula area, which encompasses Carmel by the Sea, Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel Valley in the hills to the East.
You could be staying in the warm and sunny Carmel Valley, but will most likely end up at some point in the foggier and cooler town of Carmel, too. For this reason you need to pack for two climates! I kid you not . If you don’t believe me try spending a day in town here and you will see how many Carmel sweatshirts are sold to tourists. It’s not unusual to see winter coats and sweaters worn here especially during summer time. Carmel Valley, up the road about 20 minutes from Carmel is a warm wine region and not unlike Napa and Sonoma. So you really have to think before packing.

Most of my visits to Carmel I have wandered around like Jennifer Aniston above, with sandals, yet burrowed up in a big sweater!
Carmel is a cosmopolitan place where people dress very well, but casual. Carmel Valley tends to be a horsier set where as Carmel by the Sea, is a little more luxe. Monterey where the aquarium and Cannery Row are, is super casual.
Bottom line…This is the capital of casual chic. People dress well, even though they are dressed down.
What to pack for a weekend in Carmel and Monterey. . .
White jeans. Even in winter. They look great with heavy sweaters and pea coats.
These white cords from J. Crew are perfect for Carmel, also this thicker white cropped pair, and these vintage straight ones.
I love this look of Linda Wright and her daughter- both making white denim look chic in cool temps..Look at Linda’a Instagram for a lot of inspirational looks with white denim..
Other white denim looks that could work for Carmel…Dressier here like below..
Alternatively, khaki or black jeans ..
These black jeans similar from J Crew are cute and versatile -with sandals or boots and you can dress them up for dinner..And these classic straight legs from Frame are a versatile choice that will feel great too.
Blue jeans of course…
I love this relaxed version and this one .This pair by Frame is a new classic that will flatter all sizes.
I love the mix of straw bag and sweater – and sweater plus sandals..A little summer and winter together works by the sea.
I love this classic straw bag with a leather handle by J. Crew – the perfect tote to pair with your sweater and for travel.
This woven leather bag is another casual tote that’s luxe looking.
Button down shirt in white or denim for day. Great for layering with chunky sweaters. Can also double a a cover-up by the pool if it’s longer.
A great classic white button down here. And great quality by Frank & Eileen.
Comfy flats. I always have a pair of ballet flats and a cute pair of tennis shoes.
I love a good white sneaker and Vejas are so California classic and neutral in all their variations. Perfect for up and down the hills of Carmel and a day of walking. Also more Vejas here and here.
These suede Pumas are another cute option too..
And these New Balance are quite popular..and also a neutral.
Ballet flats are another good thing to have on hand and a good a sneaker alternative. Love the look and shape of these Sam Edelmans, which come in a few colors..and also these classics by Tory Burch and these are a modern update on the ballet flat with many pretty shades.
Flip flops for the pool or beach. I have this pair of Tory Burch that have lasted years. They make everything look California casual chic and upgraded. Great to wear to the spa or breakfast as well.. Right now they have these..
If you want to go a little more luxe this Gucci pair is very Carmel…
Throw in a pair of heeled sandals for evenings if you feel like dressing up. Streets are hilly in Carmel by the sea. Heels can work for dinner only if you aren’t walking there . Heels will look ridiculous during the day and are impractical with the hills here and the beach.
Cozy cardigan or wrap for cool days and around the room as a robe over your night clothes. Any cashmere wrap is also perfect for that and layering! This sweater is similar to below..
Even warmer light quilted or puffer jacket, moto jacket, blazer or trench to layer. These Herno puffers are gorgeous and very popular in Carmel. If you need something less pricey Uniqlo has other great options.
Here I am a few years ago with my son wearing a scarf and my trench coat in late summer!
Swimsuit. I always prefer a tankini or a bikini with a rash guard to layer. This is a flattering tank I love and another by Tory is a classic and beautifully made suit and this is universally flattering and and cute.
Cute cover-up, ( I love this shirt style , in so many pretty prints from J. Crew and also this shorter one ) hat for the beach walk and tote for the pool or spa if there is one. I have this hat I always take to Carmel and a close copy is here.
For dinners dress warmly. Almost all evenings are cool in Carmel, once the fog rolls in. A pretty blouse paired with or soft sweater with nice denim is the norm.
I think you can’t go wrong with a black pant/ sweater combo for dinners – chic and warm.
A chunky cable-knit or similar sweater. Cute with shorts- or jeans, depending on the day.
One casual skirt or shorts should the weather turn warm. One of my favorite looks is denim shorts and a long-sleeved T or sweater. Perfect for places by the coast where the weather is sunny yet cool. This Anthro khaki skirt is cute with sneakers or sandals, as would be this embroidered denim cutie.
One handbag that can go from day to night. A cross-body could do double duty.
Cozy pants and soft T-shirt for lounging around the room. PJs could also work. I do like to have something cute and warm with me to wear to breakfast without getting dressed for the day yet.
Yoga pants or leggings and a wrap sweater could work with a soft T for breakfast. Add boots to your leggings and a swingy sweater or poncho and you have an outfit…
This Barefoot Dreams Coastal Cardigan is a nice option and layering piece, especially for Carmel. This sweater jacket from J. Crew is a chic and warm, also their cashmere poncho.
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Any of these looks would be perfect for a day in Carmel or Monterey. Some outfit inspiration for you..


Don’t forget to pack a great read for the pool side ,or by the fire. ( I always try to get to River House Books at The Crossroads Shopping Center. Amazing small bookstore!)
Other shops not to miss…
Tancredi & Morgan for gorgeous homewares, clothes and jewelry. I can never leave without some small treasure from this wonderfully curated store.
Carmel Bay Company a fun California home and gift store. You’re sure to find a great souvenir here.
Lloyd’s Shoes always something cool and unique I want to add to the closet in the windows.
Stumbled across your blog post! We're heading to Carmel this weekend and I was short on wardrobe ideas. Thank you!! Wouldn't have thought to pack my boots, but definitely will now! Yay!
Thank you! We are going to Carmel tomorrow for a few days to escape SF. These outfits are heaven! You have great style!
Kim,
We are an older couple visiting Carmel the end of March for a memorial service for a cousin ( Linda Stemler, perhaps you knew or heard of her), but staying to tour for a few days.
My husband also graduated from the Monterey Language Institute many years ago. So, he is most anxious to show me the sights of Monterey..
What are people wearing for these type of things done in the daytime? I’m okay with dinner dress. Any ideas?
Thanks for your ideas, they’re great!
Barb
HI Barb! Thanks for reading! I need to update this and write a new post. I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. I did not know her. I don’t know what area you are from, but Monterey is lovely and you have so much to do. Most of all for daytime, think layers. It can be quite cold in spring and you would be good to have comfy warm flat boots or walking shoes, pants and I would pack some layering t-shirts, sweaters, scarves and jackets. If it gets sunny you may be able to take the layers off later in the day. It can get warmer inland- like Carmel Valley, but mostly in March it’s in the 60s and 50s and breezy! Do you know where you are staying yet? Let me know if you need any recommendations! Enjoy your trip and I am so glad you found my blog. My best, Kim
Hi Kim…love these suggestions! Any updates? Heading to Carmel by the Sea end of Oct. for a wedding. What kind of weather should I expect, and are clothes still lovely but casual? I am fromMaine and know all about layering! Am an older lady but still love my jeans and black. Wedding is semi-formal so good with that. Thanks for any ideas or suggestions!
Hi Pat! I am sorry just seeing this note now. You should have nice weather at the end of October, sometimes the best of the year. That said, I would bring warm layers, a puffer jacket of some kind you can shove in a bag and scarves and sweaters. Your black and jeans will be perfect. I mostly wear sneakers or comfy boots around town there as it is very hilly and walking can be wobbly due to tree roots all over the town. I think upscale classics will do you well and you can peel off some layers as the fog burns off in the afternoon. I hope you have a lovely time and thanks so much for reading. Enjoy Carmel! Kim P.S. The cashmere poncho seems to be very popular there for layering and looks cute. Kind of like this one from Bloomies https://rstyle.me/~aFWNX
How heavy a coat will I need in Monterrey/San Francisco /Mendocino in December?
How heavy a coat would you pack for a trip up the coast from LA to Mendocino in December. We will be stopping for three days in Monterrey. Thanks!
It will be chilly so I would pack layers. You can have some beautiful sunny days and also some rain. I personally would bring a warm puffer type of jacket, a light rain coat and also sweaters and a scarf. Boots that are comfy would also be good. Have a great trip!
Where did you purchase your comfy neutral flats?
Thank you 😊
Hello are you speaking of the black ones I have on? Those are by Everlane and you can get them here..https://rstyle.me/+AtLt0emoqW6JwlwzYeib9w
If not, could you be more specific what ones you are referring to? Thanks so much !
Just stumbled on your blog and heading to Carmel tomorrow so this was super helpful! I always get stuck with packing right before a trip and the pics and inspo you have on your blog is timeless! I packed with your recommendations especially with the layering so now, I’m excited for our trip! Thanks!
Hi Elmerissa, So glad you found the Carmel post helpful! I do try to update it after all these years so it stays current. Yes you cannot go wrong with layers! Hope you have a fun trip. x Kim